18/06/2026
🌍Derry City and Strabane District Council was proud to participate in the World Health Organisation’s Healthy Cities Conference 2026 in Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
🎤 As part of the plenary session, “From Playgrounds to Care Hubs: Reimagining Urban Spaces Across the Life Course,” Clare Maguire, Children and Young People’s Coordinator, shared learning from Derry and Strabane’s journey to achieving UNICEF UK Child Friendly Community recognition.
🏙️💚 The discussion explored how urban spaces can be designed and developed to support health, wellbeing and inclusion at every stage of life.
🗣️👧👦 Derry and Strabane’s experience highlighted the importance of listening to children and young people, ensuring their voices help shape decisions, services and places across our district.
🤝🌎 It was a valuable opportunity to showcase local achievements on an international stage, exchange knowledge with partners from across Europe and beyond, and reaffirm our commitment to creating a district where children and young people are respected, supported and empowered to thrive.
✨ Building healthier, more inclusive communities for everyone, at every age.
